Headley-Whitney Museum

The "Dogs and cats" exhibit at the Headley-Whitney Museum was lovely. Story cards for each painting gives you a sense of what the artists thought about their subjects. I especially enjoyed the cat paintings. I'm a true cat person, after all. Do go. And stroll through the grounds while you're there. A gem on Frankfort Pike. Entry $10.0095

They describe themselves as a boutique museum. By that standard, they have an impressive set of offerings. My tour guide's point matches my own experience: that driving through this part of Kentucky yields great views, but since almost all of the land is private farms raising expensive horses, if you are not in the equestrian business you can't really get out of your car and do anything. I was told that one was welcome to wander outside in this museum's grounds without paying the admission fee (paying only if you wanted to go inside and see the bulk of the art), which seems like not a bad idea.Exhibits rotate, but the collection seems very Kentucky, with a heavy dose of horses, splendid local metalworks, and some very detailed miniature mansions. Some of the jewelry that seems to have originated the museum is quite spectacular; unfortunately, one isn't supposed to photograph these things but the whiskers on the stone crayfish were impressive. A separate building houses a "shell grotto", which is just as magical as it sounds and houses shells from all over the world. An outdoor rose garden had taken some damage from recent storms but was still quite pleasant. It was about an hour and a half visit for me at a leisurely pace.Membership is on the expensive side; I'm not sure I'd be in enough times to make it worth it. But to stop in and pay the regular admission was well worth it.

Although the Headley Whitney Museum is a little bit off the path from downtown Lexington, this place is definitely worth a visit! My favorite room is the shell grotto, it is so beautiful and just unlike anything you've ever seen. Lately they have been hosting some events, so keep an eye out for those!

I came from Michigan to visit this museum and booked a hotel in the area. I called knowing that it is good Friday to make sure rhat they were going to be open and was told yes but the last tour was at 4. My group of ladies arrived at 3:45 and when we walked into the lobby the young lady told us that they decided to close earlyShe knew I was upset because I told her I called ahead to verify that we could come and all she said was sorry we decided to close early very unprofessional and not happy and wouldn't recommend

I really, really loved visiting the Headley-Whitney Museum! I took an out of town friend, since she's an artist who also loves kitschy things, and this was right up her alley!The shell grotto was unlike anything I could've ever imagined - the sheer number of shells all over that room is just stunning! The bibelots are also gorgeous, and the doll houses are fun to gaze into and find all the details.Although it's a little ways outside of Lexington proper, it's definitely worth the drive! I will be back as the exhibits change!

the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Friday, Sat., and Sun. The Henry Faulkner exhibit (until Nov. 12) is fabulous--celebration of his 100th birthday and 55th anniversary of the museum.